Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill has turned down the chance to take charge of Sunderland.

O’Neill had emerged as Sunderland’s top-target to replace Simon Grayson, who they sacked earlier this month.

Now O’Neill has decided against taking over at the Stadium of Light – although he still has other interested parties in his services with Scotland and USA both keen on him.

However, sources close to O’Neill have now revealed that he has decided against the Sunderland opportunity.

With O’Neill out of contention, another name on their radar is Barnsley’s Paul Heckingbottom, who has also spoken about the Stadium of Light vacancy.

Asked if there had been an official approach from Sunderland, Heckingbottom said: “No, nothing.

“It is not the first time (he has been linked with another job) so I am used to the speculation and I treat it as such.

“Until there is contact with a club, I just focus on my job.”

The new favourite for the Sunderland job is now Wales boss Chris Coleman, whose contract is set to expire and will soon be a free agent. And Bookmakers have seen him backed into odds-on.

Former Ranges boss Ally McCoist and Luton manager Nathan Jones also believed to be in the thinking of Sunderland’s hierarchy.